VSef – a big step towards a virtual data standard
Major organisers have joined Explori ’ s new initiative to develop a virtual event data standard for the industry group of global event organisers
A and tech platforms have come together to create VSef , a new data standard for virtual and hybrid events . The Virtual Standard Export Format ( VSef ) has been created and led by UK-based data company Explori , with the input of high-profile organisers including Clarion Events , Easyfairs , Emerald , GRS , Hyve , Informa , MBB Consulting Group , Mesago Messe Frankfurt , Messe Munchen , RDC , Reed , Tarsus , Verona Fiere and Virtual Strategy Ltd . VSef is run on a not-for-profit basis , is open to all event organisers , and any platform can choose to adopt the standards . It has been designed to provide an open-source standard for virtual event data , allowing organisers to receive data from different platforms in one format . Dr Barış Onay , chair of the VSef working group , told EN : “ The silverlining in the pivot to digital has been the data-rich environment we organisers now find ourselves in . But , we have a huge standardisation job at hand if we ’ re to benefit from this newly found trove of data .” Explori CEO Mark Brewster added : “ Our research suggests organisers use , on average , four different event technology platforms . The data produced by these platforms often looks very different from one provider to the next . Three-quarters of organisers told us they found it challenging to integrate data from virtual platforms into other systems . “ These challenges are barriers to learning , progress and business intelligence . That is why we brought together a working group to create a universal data format that enables events to consume consistent data regardless of which platforms they are working with .” “ Organisers were frustrated ,” Onay said , “ and had identified challenges with defining a lexicon and common terminology in this field . There are various definitions when reporting . “ Other challenges identified as drivers to creating a new standard were a lack of customer touchpoints and a bombardment of raw data .” Explori ’ s MD Sophie Holt highlighted some of the problems
54 — June